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PNJ series was thought-provoking

Thank you for publishing a thought-provoking series on the prevalence, devastation and consequences of child abuse. As a board member of Children's Home Society of Florida, I have dedicated years of service to

PNJ series was thought-provoking

Thank you for publishing a thought-provoking series on the prevalence, devastation and consequences of child abuse. As a board member of Children's Home Society of Florida, I have dedicated years of service to help a wonderful organization secure funding so its dedicated professionals can, hopefully, prevent the tragic scenarios you vividly described.

Over the years, I've learned that our community's true heroes are the compassionate, devoted child welfare professionals who have made it their personal mission to help protect children and help break the damaging cycles of abuse.

May 11 was Child Welfare Professionals Recognition Day in Florida. It was a day for us to thank the individuals who work long, difficult hours in a challenging field because they're determined to make a difference.

I encourage our legislators to remember these professionals – and the children who rely on them daily. When the legislature reconvenes, I ask our state leaders to appropriate $15.7 million in new funding for case management and to establish the Child Welfare Stipend Program, both of which will help these unsung heroes make an even greater impact.

Our community's children count on child welfare professionals – and we all need to support their efforts.

— Karen Brown, Pensacola

Check charters

It is distressing to hear that a local school is in trouble (Newpoint Firm Starts Probe, 4/30/15). It is especially distressing when teachers and administrators are involved in cheating. These people are setting examples for our children.

We need to ask some fundamental questions about how the charters are granted and supervised.

There is pressure on all of our public schools, including charters, to make a good grade. If a charter school makes an "F" grade two years in a row, it loses its charter. If it makes a poor grade, it will not attract students.

Charter schools are funded from the public education purse with an amount of money per student. If enrollment falls, so will income. To add to the pressure, some charter schools are run by for-profit companies that expect to make money. If enrollment falls, so does profit.

The answer might be in rigorous standards for granting charters by the school district and oversight once they are granted. Does this proposed charter fill a district need? Is its approach designed to do better than existing schools? Are the teachers qualified?

It is our children and our tax money. We expect careful handling of both.